It is soon approaching one year since UK lockdown measures began, marking the anniversary of the live entertainment industry coming to a standstill. Newhampton Arts Centre gives new hope and light at the end of a very long tunnel for Wolverhampton audiences wanting to enjoy live events again with their latest announcement, bringing welcomed news of a programme continuing sooner than we might think.

In response to COVID- 19, the West Midlands based art centre has commissioned a new outdoor covered performance area named the New Horizons Stage. The new outdoor space will be situated in NAC’s central courtyard housed between its historical buildings and will enable promoters, companies and artists to perform safely in front of a live audience once again.

The project secured has secured over £40,000 of funding from The Co-op Foundation, The Rowlands Trust, The Edward and Dorothy Cadbury Trust, The Postcode Neighbourhood Trust and The James Beattie Charitable Trust – all of whom NAC would like to thank individually for making this new live venture possible.

The New Horizons project consist of a big-top style tent which during COVID restrictions will be operated without side walls – allowing for 100% external ventilation and events to be presented ‘as outside’ but under canvas. Under the current 2m social distancing and without any party mixing the stage can seat an audience of 80 or 180 standing. Without social distancing the stage can seat an audience of 180 and 320 standing.

After the recent government road map announcement, NAC have been able to unveil their own roadmap for their new developments, opening their New Horizons Stage at the end of Maywith all dates subject to running strictly under the prevailing local and national guidance at the time.

Trevelyan Wright, NAC CEO, said ‘It’s been a real team effort at NAC over the last nine months to create this amazing new event space in Wolverhampton. We know how much people are missing live music and theatre, and being able to enjoy events outdoors safely under canvas should give audiences and artists confidence to return over the summer’.

NAC staff are busy putting together a programme of live music, theatre and family-friendly shows over the summer of 2021. Already confirmed the return of Future Bubbler’s Summer Block Party on Saturday 4th of September 2021. This will be Wolverhampton’s second community family music festival in partnership with BBC 6 Music DJ Gilles Peterson’s record label Brownswood Music.

NAC is keen that the Stage helps as many groups and artists to return safely to live performance. If you are interested in using the New Horizons Stage please contact the administrator on office@newhamptonarts.co.uk or on 01902 572090.

NAC is currently busy with final preparations, making the New Horizons a safe place to enjoy live events, and urges keen audiences to keep an eye on their social media, and website for the latest news, updates, and ticket sales announcements.